Tech stars of the future excited about new Inala study hub

Zack McSweeney and Anis Mihrshahi – IT students at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) – were on hand at the announcement of the Inala Suburban University Study Hub yesterday.

The good friends live locally and are confident the new study hub – set to open in late 2025 – will make a positive difference in their community.

We caught up with them to learn more about their experiences and their expectations for the study hub.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey to studying at UniSQ?

ZM: I am from New Zealand and moved to Australia when I was five. I now live in Heathwood and graduated from Forest Lake State High School last year. I captained and coached hundreds of students in the E-Sport program and represented Australia at the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship in California. I decided to go to UniSQ because it is closer, and the smaller class sizes mean each student receives more individual attention from their lecturer. They also provide well-thought-out curriculums and the excellent scholarship I received from my high ATAR. I am studying a Bachelor of IT, majoring in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

AM: I am 18, half German, half Persian, and have lived in Durack for 13 years. I graduated from Forest Lake State High School with an ATAR of 97.25 whilst also competing at the state level for javelin, shot put, and at the national level for discus. I enjoy singing, playing the guitar and reading in my spare time. I am also actively participating in community service, having run a children’s class, which focuses on teaching children how to display virtuous behaviour and how to become role models to one another. I chose to study a Bachelor of IT, majoring in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, at UniSQ because of its excellent faculty-to-student ratio and strong support services. Additionally, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship, which helped ease my financial burden. I study alongside Zack now, and I look forward to contributing to society and its ever-advancing technological requirements and innovations.

How do you think having a Suburban University Study Hub in Inala will help students in your community?

ZM: This study hub will provide a place where students can receive help, mentorship and a place of concentration. Instead of travelling over an hour to some universities, this hub allows students to stay close to home. It’s also a place where the community and study are interconnected. This means that students will be more comfortable seeking help and working with each other to benefit their education.

AM: Having lived in Durack my entire adolescence, I have often found it time-consuming to travel to locations to study. However, UniSQ is relatively close, which is a major reason why I decided to attend the University. The study hub will provide a central location for students to go and study, and they can also access support and mentorship to aid them with their assessments. Overall, they will feel more comfortable and less intimidated at the prospect of university. Additionally, being surrounded by like-minded individuals who are dedicated and striving to achieve their desired results is a source of inspiration for students.

What difference will having a dedicated study space, internet access, and support services close to home make for community members?

ZM: Although studying at home is great for some, receiving and asking for practical help is much more challenging. This dedicated space provides an environment where everyone can benefit from receiving help and also utilise other features, such as Wi-Fi and a place to study.

AM: This study hub will make a significant difference for students who are unsure about university due to possible lack of support and travel distances. It will allow them to make future academic decisions without worrying about these factors. Free Wi-Fi and access to support services will also encourage students to use the study hub. It will also be financially beneficial, as the travel cost will be extremely low.

Do you think the Hub will encourage more people from Inala and neighbouring suburbs to consider attending university?

ZM: Since this Hub is in the heart of the community, more students and cultures will seep into the Hub’s environment. This will make the Hub an encouraging source for people unsure of attending university to consider attending university. Especially those with friends who have already gone to university, they can bring their other friends along and let them experience the environment for themselves.

AM: Absolutely! This study hub solves some problems that could turn people away from university, such as travel distances. This should encourage many young aspiring individuals to pursue tertiary education as they now have a nearby centre offering an abundance of support.

What opportunities do you hope the Inala SUSH will create for students in the future?

ZM: Not only will it increase the productivity and learning abilities of most students, but it will boost the connection with the community and ease the integration between high school and university.

AM: Hopefully, guest speakers from the University or graduates will soon be invited to share their experiences with students. This would provide valuable insight and inspire those still unsure about attending university to consider trying it. Hopefully, the study hub will improve students’ marks overall, as they will have experienced individuals to support them with work.

What message would you give to younger students from Inala who might be thinking university isn’t for them?

ZM: If you are unsure about attending university, visit the study hub. Everyone there can tell you about their experience and guide you through the university process. Going to university for one year allows you to experience what university is like and see if you want to continue pursuing your passion elsewhere or studying. Once you have tried, you will know if it isn’t for you. But who knows, maybe you will love it, and you can use the Hub to help others and share your experience.

AM: Look, it may not be for everyone! And that’s okay. There should not be any pressure to attend university. However, if you are conflicted and unsure about what career pathway to go down, this study hub will provide a great space and environment to gain exposure and decide what you want to do. I didn’t even know what I wanted to do when I went to university, but I chose my career based on how useful it is to society. That’s always a good way to decide on a career. It will never be a waste to earn a degree.